Case Studies

For your reference, we've included a few case studies from Nova West clients who have installed solar systems in their homes.

Case Study #1: Offsetting 115% of Client's $500 Energy Bill
Case Study #2: Client receives $375 Credit from PG&E
Case Study #3: Offsetting 100% of Client's $700 Energy Bill

Case Study #1

The Challenge
Before calling Nova West Solar, the owner of this home wanted to offset his energy consumption by 115%. He and his family also wanted to live a cool, comfortable lifestyle, which would've meant consuming great amounts of energy and spending even more money with their air-conditioning unit. This family lives in an area of California's Central Valley that has extreme, high temperatures.

The Solution
Nova West Solar awakened the owners to solar solutions and more. After carefully observing their home, we noticed that the attic-insulation levels were very poor. Also, they recently had their central heating and cooling system upgraded but incorrectly installed. We suggested that they install new insulation that was compatible with current energy standards and replace old ducting to properly connect with their new central air system.

The Outcome
The total cost of the solar energy system was $73,500, including all equipment, permits, ground racks and installation. We applied for and received a $21,963.45 rebate from the California Solar Initiative program funded by PG&E. With a $2,000 federal tax credit, the total out-of-pocket (net) expense for this customer was $49,536.30.

His internal rate of return was 18.2%. His old bill of $552/mo. was 97% offset by the new solar system and the other energy-saving measures. This created a new bill of approximately $16/mo. Furthermore, after financing all of the energy conservation items as well as the new solar system, the family's out-of-pocket payment was approximately $415.

In this case, the value of the home was increased by $78,605 in current dollars - more than the combined cost of the solar system and energy-saving improvements. As complex as this sounds, our expert Building Department engineered this system, installed it and finalized all work in one week.

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Case Study #2

The Challenge
This homeowner wanted to completely zero out his bill. The children were grown, only he and his wife lived there and despite exercising caution about energy usage, the electric bills continued to rise. Like so many customers who want to go green, these homeowners wanted to free themselves skyrocketing electric bills.

The Solution
Nova West Solar analyzed their usage and designed a system to offset 100% of it. The owner wanted to take full advantage of the E-7 rate, which allows customers to "sell back" electricity to PG&E during peak hours for about three times the price of what PG&E pays to "buy it back" during morning and evening hours.

The Outcome
The system was granted permission to interconnect and has operated since May 2008. After seven months of operation, the customer earned a $375 credit. This allowed him to get through the Valley's rainy, foggy winter months without writing a single check to PG&E.

This customer was so amazed to see the benefits of solar energy - helping the environment and saving people money - that he gave up retirement and began working at Nova West Solar. He proudly helps people learn how to conserve energy, and provides them with the best quality, longest lasting components that are benchmarks of Nova West Solar's reputation.

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Case Study #3

The Challenge
The customers wanted to offset 100% of their current home's energy consumption by installing a new PV solar system. They struggled to pay energy bills that exceeded $700 in the summer, mainly because of their AC usage.

The Solution
After inspecting this home, we learned they were using two very old deep freezers in their garage. One of them was used infrequently, so the customer decided to donate both antiquated freezers to PG&E and then, purchase one new high-efficiency deep freezer. They also decided to replace their old washer and dryer with new Energy Star-rated appliances.

Their total appliance investment was approximately $2,500. The total cost of the solar energy system was $60,900, including all equipment, permits, ground racks and installation. We applied for and received a $15,777 rebate from the California Solar Initiative Program funded by PG&E. With a $2,000 federal tax credit, the estimated total out-of-pocket expense was $43,123.

The Outcome
Their old bill of $450, outside of summertime, was 90% offset by the new solar system. This drastically lowered their bill to about $45 per month. After financing all of their energy-conservation items and the new solar system, their monthly out-of-pocket payment was approximately $278. The value of their home increased $65,270 in current dollars - more than the cost of the solar system and energy-saving improvements combined.

If the homeowners hadn't replaced their old appliances with new high-efficiency models, the new solar system would've had to offset 100% of their total investment rather than just 90%. Their solar investment without new appliances would've been $13,000 higher, even after rebates and tax credits. However, since they invested $2,500 in new appliances, they required a smaller solar system and their savings totaled $10,500.

This system was engineered, installed and finalized by our Building Department in five working days.

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